On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Dickinson State University chapter, Delta Lambda Pi, of Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, welcomed nine new initiates. Phi Alpha Theta was established in 1921 at the University of Arkansas. This year, it celebrates its 105th anniversary, boasting over 600,000 members in more than 900 chapters worldwide.
The Dickinson State Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, Delta Lambda Pi, held an induction reception to welcome nine new inductees into the honor society on Saturday afternoon at the DSU Heritage Foundation. Friends, family, DSU faculty, and staff attended the ceremony, observing as students took their oath to uphold the rites and ideals of Phi Alpha Theta, including Phili, Anthropos, Theos, the spirit of respect, the belief in the community of all persons, and “the need for historians to search for the truth and to accept the responsibility for making decisions in terms of their meaning for others as well as themselves.”
To be inducted, students were required to meet the national standards: maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0, achieve a minimum GPA of 3.1 in History, and complete 12 semester hours in History. This year, the chapter welcomed students not only from History programs but also from Composite Social Science and Criminal Justice majors. The chapter had the distinct privilege of welcoming Dr. Thomas D. Isern, a member of the National Board, who attended and presented on the symbolism of Phi Alpha Theta.
DSU faculty and staff members of Phi Alpha Theta were present and participated in the ceremony, showing their support for the new initiates and celebrating the inductees' achievements. Their attendance underscored the collaborative spirit and commitment to academic excellence that defines the organization and Dickinson State University. In addition to the induction reception, this ceremony was held in honor of Spring 2026 Phi Alpha Theta graduates.
Cade Martin
Jesse Chapweske
Kaylin Garza
Macie Thomssen
Isaac Willis
Angeleena Lind